Salmon Recovery Policy Lead (WMS2)

Schedule: The Recreation and Conservation Office is in Olympia, WA.  Flexible/Hybrid schedules are available. 

Who we are:
The Recreation and Conservation Office is a small state agency located in Olympia, Washington that plans for and provides funding to: create and maintain opportunities for recreation; protect the best of the state's wild lands, farms, and forests; and recover salmon.
  
RCO strives to maintain a workplace that is respectful, inclusive and family-friendly where all team members feel safe to bring their true selves to work. We believe in a culture where everyone continually improves and has the opportunity to lead. At RCO we envision a state that has abundant outdoor recreation spaces, healthy habitats, and working farms and forests that support people, fish, and wildlife.   RCO is an exemplary partner that provides statewide leadership and funding to protect and improve the best of Washington’s natural and outdoor recreation resources, now and for future generations.

Some of what you'll do includes:

• Coordinate implementation of the Governor’s Statewide Salmon Strategy working across multiple entities and interests, engaging in policy arenas, crafting policy statements, and providing staff support for key Governor’s Office initiatives. Close coordination with agency leadership and Governor’s Office as needed and lead coordination of any updates or revisions to the Governor’s statewide salmon strategy.  

• Oversee the development of a biennial work plan for salmon budget and policy priorities to guide state agency priorities and to inform Governor’s budget for salmon recovery. This task includes facilitation of a salmon policy committee comprised of state natural resource agency policy leads. This group works together to review and develop agency budget and policy decision packages that comprise the biennial work plan for salmon recovery and federal assurances.

• Organize and facilitate the Natural Resources Subcabinet in coordination with Governor’s Office to ensure agency cross coordination on key salmon recovery emerging issues and actions are strengthening the state’s commitment and accountability across separately elected agencies, cabinet agencies, and commissions to effectively implement the Governor’s salmon strategy.

• Engage and coordinate with Tribes, Tribal Governments, and Tribal Consortia to successfully understand tribal priorities for salmon and orca recovery, and to effectively inform agency proposals, Governor’s Office strategic priorities, and actions from recovery plans.

• Provide key legislative support and guidance by tracking budgets and policy bills that align with or support the implementation of the Governor’s Statewide Salmon Strategy.  

REQUIRED:

OPTION 1:

Any combination of education and/or experience collaborating with local, state, federal, or tribal governments on natural resource issues totaling nine (9) years 

*this must include:

• Minimum of 5 yrs. experience collaborating with local, state, federal, or tribal governments on natural resource issues.
• Minimum of three (3) yrs. experience leading or facilitating work teams, task forces, workshops, or interagency working groups.

OPTION 2:

A Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources, science, law, or similar degree. 

AND

• Minimum of 5 yrs. experience collaborating with local, state, federal, or tribal governments on natural resource issues.
• Minimum of three (3) yrs. experience leading or facilitating work teams, task forces, workshops, or interagency working groups.

**All experience may be gained concurrently

AND

• Valid driver’s license, free from serious traffic violations. 

 Competencies: 

• Leadership - The position leads statewide salmon recovery coordination and budget alignment; chairs or facilitates high-level meetings. Provides vision and direction for multi-agency efforts.
• Policy Development - Central task is to develop biennial budget and policy plans, aligned with strategic priorities, salmon recovery plans, and tribal initiatives.
• Strategic Thinking - Must “move the needle” on salmon recovery and climate resiliency. Requires high-level, forward-looking planning and innovation.
• Advocacy and Relationships - Influences legislative, executive, and interagency actions. Builds support for strategies and policies through strong relationships with tribes, agencies, partners.
• Diplomacy - Interacts with senior stakeholders and sensitive political dynamics (tribes, legislature, industry). Critical to avoid/minimize conflict and maintain cooperation.
• Project Management - Manages strategic projects with many moving parts—timelines, coordination, communication, deliverables, legislative milestones.
• Writing and Editing Skills - Must write plans, proposals, briefings, and reports for executive audiences and stakeholders. Accuracy and clarity are essential.
• Teamwork - Actively partner with co-workers to provide them with assistance, information, techniques, instruction, feedback, and encouragement to maximize their successes on the job.  Emphasize team approach to providing excellent customer service.
• Integrity - Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of co-workers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions.  
• Ability to Take Action to Learn and Grow – Practices self-awareness by reflecting on personal strengths, growth areas, and biases.
• Ability to Take Action to Meet the Needs of Others – Flexible, adaptable, customer service focused, and willing and able to empathically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

DESIRED:

• Negotiations - Resolves complex interagency or intergovernmental issues. Facilitates agreement on funding and recovery priorities.
• Understanding of Laws and Rules - Needs strong understanding of state and tribal law, especially treaties and salmon recovery authority.
• Research/Data Analysis – Effectively identify, collect and organize data in a way that makes the information most useful for subsequent assessment, analysis, and decision-making.  Accurately document and evaluate sources.
• IT/Technology - Learn to use technology (tools and software) more efficiently and effectively to enhance your communication, productivity and ability to manage your workload and priorities.

READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY:
Please attach the following documents in order to be considered, failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position; 
• Current resume, detailing experience, and education.
• You will want to ensure you have a current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information attached or available to provide at the time of interview.